“I’ve been training for this for years. I was obsessed with those films”

As a film enthusiast with a passion for the fantastical and a soft spot for strong, unconventional characters, I wholeheartedly recommend adding “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” to your watchlist. The captivating performances, particularly by the talented Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, have left me spellbound.

Add The Lord of the Rings:The Rings of Power to your watchlist

35-year-old Welsh actress Morfydd Clark has gained recognition for portraying peculiar and disquieting characters in productions such as Saint Maud, Dracula, and His Dark Materials. Since 2022, she’s been appearing as the elf warrior Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

In your role as Galadriel, you’ll be stepping into the enchanted shoes once worn by Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett in the Peter Jackson movies. Did you seek her guidance or advice during your preparation?

No, I didn’t reach out to her — I still can’t believe that! I actually didn’t know I was playing Galadriel until two weeks after I arrived in New Zealand for filming. When they told me, I thought, “I need to go home!” But then I thought, “Wait, I’ve been training for this for years”. I was obsessed with those films.

So you’re a big fantasy fan?

Absolutely! School wasn’t my cup of tea as I found it restrictive, given my energetic nature and tendency to be playful and mischievous. Instead, I adored exploring imaginary realms that allowed me to dream about exciting adventures and where silence wasn’t a priority.

You’ve spoken before about your dyslexia and ADHD — do they make it hard to learn reams of Elvish?

Absolutely not! It’s always been straightforward for me to memorize lines, and I consider myself fortunate because Elvish is similar to Welsh, a language I already knew. The rhythm of my life seems tailored for individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, as it involves taking on tasks one at a time, followed by brief pauses in between. You’re working on a task, then there’s a short break before the next one.

I felt stifled at school so I loved delving into fantasy worlds

In a more casual and accessible way, here’s how I would rephrase that:

Oh, it’s fantastic! Many of us found the armor rather awkward, agreeing it wasn’t easy to sit during breaks between shots. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with Matt. The universe seemed to conspire in our favor there. It was quite amusing, a small twist of fate that for some years now, we both have been sporting blonde wigs and grappling with armor.

In our previous conversation, you mentioned that female characters in theater tend to be more intriguing compared to those on screen. Has this observation held true for you over time, or have things shifted?

It seems there’s an increasing portrayal of unconventional femininity and intense female characters in media, which is certainly noteworthy. However, this should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a goal to achieve completion. We will never reach a point where we can say we’ve “had enough” or “seen it all.”

As a passionate cinephile, I’m often asked if I’m representing the unique, offbeat perspective of women in my work, through projects like “Saint Maud,” “Starve Acre,” and others. To be honest, while I do identify as a woman and I certainly aim to bring originality to my stories, I don’t intentionally set out to represent ‘female weirdness.’ Instead, I strive to create authentic narratives that resonate with all viewers, regardless of gender, by exploring the human condition in its many complexities.

It’s interesting, isn’t it, to discover your specific casting type after years of acting? It feels a bit strange and unsettling, like finding out a secret about yourself. Does that resonate with you? But it’s exciting to take on those roles. And I’m thrilled to be employed!

2024-08-23 15:04

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